The Reporting of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by Nonprofit Organizations. First Evidence from the Literature

This chapter explores the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) reporting in nonprofit organizations (NPOs). It aims to bridge the gap in scholarly research on how NPOs address DEI in their performance measurement, accountability, and transparency. Through a scoping review methodology, the chapter identifies existing literature that examines how DEI influences nonprofit governance, leadership, and organizational strategies. Key questions addressed include the prevalence of academic research on DEI reporting in NPOs and the main thematic aspects and keywords related to this area. The findings reveal a growing interest in DEI reporting, especially after 2019, with a focus on governance, such as board diversity and CEO characteristics, accountability mechanisms, and impact evaluation. The chapter also highlights the significance of DEI for NPOs in terms of improving organizational outcomes, enhancing stakeholder trust, and increasing funder appeal. The review emphasizes the need for further empirical studies and suggests future research directions, including case studies and content analyses of nonprofit reports, to better understand DEI integration and its challenges in nonprofit reporting frameworks.